Question of the Week: 62 - 10/15/2001What Are Your Thoughts On The Current "War on Terrorism"?On Sunday, the United States, Britain and the NATO Coalition launched the first overt military strikes against targets in Afghanistan. Do you agree or disagree with this action? As the United States continues to build a worldwide coalition of nations to fight a 'war on terrorism', what are your thoughts on the current military buildup, 'war on terrorism' can be effective? Does it worry you that no 'end' to such a program has been defined? Are you satisfied with the amount of information that the public has been given on the operations? What sort of outcome would YOU like to see? NOTE: This is a very emotionally charged topic. Like all segments of society, Pagans can be liberals or conservatives, hawks or doves.

I do not believe that waging war on any organization, in the long run, solves any problem.. I believe that humans have evolved beyond that point of retaliation, and are not using their skills effectively. I am opposed to humans taking lives. It is my belief that we need to apply our intleeignce to other solutions to our problems.

Allow My To Share My Perspectives A Military Man Stationed In Europe...

Allow my to share my perspectives a military man stationed in Europe...

I was already on base the day of the 11th. We were preparing for a "Commander's Call" (a squadron meeting with the commander...Medals are given out to those who earned them...other issues are discussed. It is like a town meeting of sorts). I was parking my car when the news came across the radio. I rushed inside the NCO Club and switched the TV to CNN. There I stood with my fellow airmen in stark horror. We all knew what loomed on the horizon. We knew we were all going to war. I looked around the bar and eyed everyone. We were all shocked and staring at one-another. My Captain told us to assemble just after the Pentagon got hit. He told us we should all go home and hug our children and spouses.

I was ordered to pack my bags and ready my "war gear". We have been wearing helmets and flak jackets since.

Something most touching to me is the local nationals and how they reacted to this. Every German I have seen since has stopped to relay their condolences. The village across the street from the base had a candlelight vigil outside our gate the night it happened. They chanted hymns and sang our National Anthem (in German). Even if they cannot speak english, the tears in their eyes and the sincerity relates their grief and solidarity. Locals ask me for American Flags. The children race down the street with flags in their hands.

As for war. I can tell you I am ready to lay down my life to this cause. Pure and simple. As a Pagan, I respect life...but I cannot sit idly by and allow people to destroy life as they have. These terrorists must not just be "brought to justice". These people must die. Do you remember those people falling from the sky and splattering on the pavement? Do you remember the countless bodies wrapped in American Flags carried out on stretchers? Do you remember seeing the child clutching the dog and sobbing over the news of his parents' death? If these people do not die, then this evil will continue. We must make an example of these terrorists. If we do not, then we will open ourselves to more attacks.

My gut wrenches with every thought from that day. War is an ugly thing. It is a terrible thing. I do see a bit of light at the end of all of this. Perhaps we can liberate and educate an oppressed people who do not know freedom? The challenge is following through after all of this is done. Freedom can be just as crushing as oppression if the people aren't taught to sustain themselves.

I wanted this letter to be more provocative and heartfelt. I'm sorry. I guess I'm not focused enough. I hope my intentions are understood. I cannot collect my thoughts clearly. I'm so emotional over all of this, it is difficult to lay the thoughts to print.

Allow me to say this: When I go to fight this war, I want you all to know I fight for freedom and life. I will not go into this with a bloodlust. I just want our principles to be upheld. I will fight for the world as well as all Pagans and our freedom to continue as we do. When that time comes, please lend me your collective strength and let me be your sword.

I Agree With The Military Actions, And I Am No "hawk". The...

Oct 14th. at 5:37:55 pm UTC

Hunter (Toronto, Ontario CA)

Age: 38

I agree with the military actions, and I am no "hawk". The terrorists will strike again and again and again unless they are stopped. War has been declared against us; our only decision now is whether we wish to win or lose.

I have had a sense of misinformation from our government. Not only has our government perpetuated the cycle of violence that led to and will not end Sept. 11. But we are not even given what evidence there is that Bin Ladin is the responsible individual. I am not saying he isn't, I just wish what I heard on NPR didn't sound so rational compared to the propaganda drilled into my skull by the popular media. I wish I could wave a flag and feel like it didn't mean I was condoning mindless violence. To bomb innocent people? Isn't that kind of like what happened Sept. 11???? There has to be another way, I know some say passivists have no real solution. That isn't neccessarily true, but my solution has more to do with thoughtful action than hasty revenge. I would like to see that our country could evolve beyond the need for this kind of war in my lifetime. But as commented earlier, this feels like the Gulf War, only worse.....There is something very wrong here, I feel our grandchildren will not agree with this when all information being held from us is brought to light. Call me a flake if you will, my intuition has yet to lead me astray of Truth and what is Right. Be Well and Walk in Light~~~Loraine

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